Italy has been gripped by weeks of political uncertainty and suggestions that early elections are near after the high court on Aug. 1 upheld Berlusconi’s tax fraud conviction, four-year prison term and ban from public office.

Italy’s Senate will soon decide whether not to confirm Berlusconi’s ban from public office — he’s currently a senator — a decision that could spark a government crisis.

Premier Enrico Letta said Sunday it would be “crazy” to make his government fall now, with major economic reforms on the horizon.